Strategic Research and Development Areas

Adaptation of Biological and Technical Systems

Biological and technical systems have the following in common: to survive in the long-run they need to adapt to the changes in their environment. This applies equally to the examples of driver assistance systems and organisms in an ecosystem. Ulm University conducts intensive research into the adaptation of biological and technical systems. The goal is to transfer biological approaches to the realm of technology and vice versa.

Ageing Research and Age-Related Diseases

Everyone ages – but, to a large extent, the underlying molecular processes are still not understood. Beyond our genetic setup, lifestyle and environmental influences also affect ageing. Specialists at Ulm University research this complex interplay as well as age-associated diseases.

Data Science

Medical imaging, clinical studies and Industry 4.0 accrue tremendous amounts of data ('Big Data'). Important information can be gathered from these mountains of data – provided intelligent methods are applied to analyse them. Computer scientists, mathematicians and economists at Ulm University collaborate closely in the new research field of 'Data Science'.

Energy Conversion and Storage

In the Science City Ulm, partners from Ulm University and industry-oriented research institutions optimise batteries and fuel cells for electric mobility and the energy revolution – from fundamental research to the pilot production facility.

Financial Services and Risk Analysis

Financial services are a central element of our economic system and are consequently subject to social changes. The shift in demographics, for example, has significant impacts on retirement provisions and health care costs. The Faculty of Mathematics and Economics at Ulm University researches ideal structures of financial and insurance markets and product design with regards to macrosocial developments.

Haematology and Oncology

Ever since its foundation, Ulm University has been conducting outstanding research in the field of blood-forming systems and leukaemias. Medical and natural scientists strive to better understand the mechanisms of disease development and hence identify new therapeutic target structures for personalised treatment. Another research focus is the ageing of blood-forming stem cells, which is also associated with pathological processes.

Strategic Research and Development Areas

Highly Automated Driving

Engineers, computer scientists and psychologists at Ulm University have joined forces to work on the automated vehicle of the future. These cars are supposed to safely navigate through traffic without any intervention from the driver. They may even warn each other about traffic jams or dangers.

Human – Technology Interaction

The technological development continues to progress, however, often at the expense of user-friendliness. Computer scientists, engineers and psychologists at Ulm University transfer central cognitive skills of humans onto technical systems. The aim is for smartphones, cars and cameras to become partner-like service providers that adjust to the skills and needs of their users.

Neurodegeneration

Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease are widespread illnesses. There are also some less common neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and Morbus Huntington that tear people away. Ulm University conducts intensive research to improve diagnostics and treatments for these so far incurable diseases.

Quantum Technology

The understanding and utilisation of the laws of quantum physics pave the way to future technologies like the quantum computer, high-performance sensors and optimised imaging techniques. The interdisciplinary group of researchers focuses on quantum technology in order to master these quantum systems and their application.

Sensor Technology / Smart Sensing Systems

High-performance sensors afford us unimagined insights into to human body. It is expected that in future we can even see the structures of individual biomolecules. The research and application of novel sensor systems at Ulm University, however, goes beyond biosciences and medical diagnostics. Materials science, for example, benefits also.

Trauma Research

'Trauma' is the most frequent cause of death among people under 45. Researchers at Ulm University study severe injuries right up to the molecular level. This research area also looks closely at psychotraumas and their interrelation with physical injuries.